What happens to your shoulder when your collarbone breaks?
Bruising. A bulge on or near your shoulder. A grinding or crackling sound when you try to move your shoulder. Stiffness or inability to move your shoulder.
Can you lift your shoulder with a broken collarbone?
It is important to keep the shoulder moving to prevent stiffness but not to aggravate the injury. Avoid lifting and overhead movement for 6 weeks.
Can a broken collarbone cause chest pain?
Injury to this joint can cause pain and discomfort in your sternum and in the area in your upper chest where this joint exists. Common symptoms of injury to this joint include: feeling mild pain or having aching and swelling around your upper chest and collarbone area.
How long does it take for a broken collarbone to stop hurting?
It usually happens after a fall or a blow to the shoulder. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal in adults, and 3 to 6 weeks in children.
Does a broken collarbone require surgery?
Most clavicle fractures don’t need surgery. If the broken parts of the bone are in a good position to heal, healthcare providers may recommend: Arm support: A sling can help you feel more comfortable as you heal. It can also prevent broken parts of bone from moving around.
What is the fastest way to heal a broken collarbone?
The most common way to treat the fractures in the middle is with immobilization with either a sling or a special bandage called a figure-of-8 splint. Studies have shown that these fractures heal just as quickly and as well with a sling as with the figure-of-8 splint, so we recommend a sling in a majority of cases.
How do you sleep with a broken collarbone?
Using extra pillows to prop yourself up when sleeping with a broken clavicle can help relieve pain. Sleeping in a more upright position may be more comfortable and allow for a better rest. You may also find it more comfortable to use pillows to prop up the arm on the side of your body with the fracture.
What helps a broken collarbone heal faster?
To help speed the healing, you might get:
- A splint or brace to keep your shoulder from moving.
- A sling for your arm, which you might use for a few days.
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers, like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which will help with pain and swelling.
- Range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.